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Cambodia

Cambodia: Floating Village Service Expedition

16 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Jump aboard the Rustic Pathways boat and embark on one of our most unique service adventures. Travel through part of the mighty Mekong river system on the region’s most impressive body of water. Visit Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, where thousands of families live and work in floating homes balancing on thick, bamboo trunks. Stay in homestays with trusted host families and experience their day-to-day lives. Work alongside local professionals to repair and build new floating homes for the community. At the end of a hard day’s work, watch the sunset transform the surface of the lake into an infinite golden glaze. After service work is complete, take time to visit Siem Reap and stroll through the breathtaking stone fortresses of Angkor temples.

Students love the floating village community, playing games on our boat, service projects and Angkor Wat

Program Tuition

$4,595

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 16-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart for Cambodia!

Arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Cambodia. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight.
2

In Transit

Today is lost as you cross the International Date Line. Not to worry, though–you’ll get it back when you return.
3

Welcome to Cambodia!

Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Freshen up and head out to explore Cambodia's capital city. Nestled on the banks of three great Southeast Asian rivers, the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac, the frenetic streets of Phnom Penh provide a fascinating window into Cambodian culture. Settle into your hotel after your long travel day. You'll share twin rooms (separated by gender), with Western-style toilets and showers.
4-5

Explore Phnom Penh

Spend the next two days exploring Cambodia’s busy capital starting with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that was used as a torture and interrogation prison under the Khmer Rouge. The building has been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the genocide that occurred here. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek where you walk through the quiet and peaceful fields that were once the site of mass killings and burials during the genocide. While difficult to process at times, these sites are important landmarks in Cambodian history and allow you to put contemporary Cambodia in perspective. Head to the famous Russian market and do a little shopping before exploring the grounds of the extravagant Royal Palace. Cool off with a sunset cruise out to Koh Dach Island, known for its silk farms and handmade goods. Visit Olympic Stadium, a city landmark to see where all of the locals congregate after work to get some exercise.
6-7

Travel to Battambang

Pass through rural Cambodia as you journey up to Battambang and make a stop in a village known throughout Cambodia for their clay pots. Sample some interesting insects along the way and continue onward. Once you arrive, settle into this less touristy city for the next two nights. Fill your days here with by visiting a hilltop temple, riding a traditional bamboo train, and witnessing more than a million bats vacate their cave at sunset in search for their daily food. Enjoy two nights at a hotel here with shared rooms and Western-style amenities.
8-13

Experience the Floating Villages

Begin your next adventure as you hop aboard the Rustic Pathways Boat and make your way to the floating villages of rural Cambodia. Witness a new way of life as you cruise upriver during the morning hours. Families cook morning meals aboard their floating houses and set out nets to reel in the day’s catch. School children, dressed in white shirts and blue shorts, wave excitedly as they begin their day. Throughout your journey, you'll spend time in two communities, Bak Preah and Prek Toal. During your time in Prek Toal, assist with our Housing Improvement initiative, which was designed in partnership with the local community and seeks to construct and upgrade homes in need of repair. Your nightly accommodations for the next six nights will consist of traditional floating village homestays with boys sleeping at one home and girls at another. Expect squat toilets and bucket showers. Hop off of the boat on Sunday afternoon and check into your hotel in Siem Reap where you can grab a hot shower! Refreshed and relaxed, it’s time to go out on the town. Join your group for a post-service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.
14

Angkor Wat and Bayon

Set out in the early morning to marvel at the amazing architecture of Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world. As you enter the complex to explore the structure, check out the intricate carvings of Angkor’s historical battle scenes. If you’re brave enough to climb the steep steps, the view atop the highest tower is well worth it. Travel next to see the huge, carved faces of Bayon. After lunch, make your way to the shady and cool tree temple of Ta Prohm. Massive trees have grown through these ruins making for a spectacular site.
 Then enjoy a delicious Khmer dinner and spend some time browsing the night market. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
15-16

Som Lee-hai, Cambodia!

After two incredible and eye-opening weeks, it’s time to say goodbye to the Kingdom of Wonder and journey onward. Your Program Leaders will take you to Siem Reap Internaional Airport (REP) airport for your flight home as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. If you’re connecting to another Rustic program in Southeast Asia, your Program Leaders will take you to the airport in the morning to begin your next adventure.

Total: 16 calendar days / 15 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Cambodia

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Cambodia offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Cambodia Asia 2026
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